Wood Utilization Research and Product Development Capacity in the United States: A Review

Abstract

Public and private research focused on wood utilization and product development in the United States is an important source of innovation required for sustaining the worldwide competitive position of the wood-based industry. Because of the research community’s diversity, the exact magnitude of investment in wood utilization research is subject for much conjecture. However, in 2008 an estimated 400 to 500 wood utilization research projects were implemented by 150 to 200 federal, state and private entities. Investments in publically implemented projects were in the range of $110 to $120million, while, by some estimates, investments in projects sponsored by private concerns exceeded $2.5 billion in the same year. Scientists and supporting staff engaged by public research organizations was in the range of 900 to 1,000 in 2008. For research conducted by private concerns, scientists and engineers approached 8,000 in number. To experienced administrators, conditions necessary for a successful research enterprise focused on wood utilization and product development include clarity in purpose and well-defined client groups, effective governing boards and advisory committees, visionary and enthusiastic administrators, talented and risk taking scientists, satisfied research clients and customers, and research contributions that add to the scientific foundation considered necessary to enhance the efficient use of wood.